Dear Ex-wife Marry Me novel (Maja) novel Chapter 2239

She lowered her gaze, lashes brushing her cheeks, unsure if her performance had convinced Marlon. This was exactly why she’d chosen to become an actress all those years ago—she knew there’d be plenty of situations in the future where she’d need to put on a convincing act.

At the very least, no one could suspect she was faking it.

For the next little while, Tyler stayed by her side, tending to her every need. But what caught everyone off guard was the arrival of Grandma Edith from the Keller family.

Even Tyler hadn’t expected that. Seeing Grandma Edith perched on the edge of Athena’s hospital bed, fussing over her with gentle concern, set off alarm bells in his mind. This couldn’t be good.

Athena sat up straighter, clearly anxious, and after a long pause, she finally asked, “Grandma Edith, why are you being so kind to me?”

She already knew the answer, of course, but she had to play dumb.

Grandma Edith let out a wistful sigh. “I just feel a special connection with you, Athena. Once you’re feeling better, you should come visit the Keller family more often.”

Tyler narrowed his eyes, suddenly sensing trouble.

“Grandma Edith, you’re not thinking of matchmaking, are you? Just because Marlon’s single now, you want to steal my wife? Athena and I are legally married, you know. When Marlon called me, I was already suspicious—since when did he start taking such an interest in my wife?”

The corner of Grandma Edith’s mouth twitched, and she patted Athena’s hand reassuringly. But she’d already promised Marlon to keep the truth under wraps for now; after all, he’d asked for a week to investigate. Who knew what he’d discover by then?

“Oh, you Bennitt boys, always talking nonsense. Do I look like someone who’d meddle like that? I just want you to treat Athena well. She’s such a sweet, innocent girl—you can see it right away.”

Tyler nodded solemnly. “You don’t have to remind me. I know how to take care of my wife.”

He walked over, poured Athena a glass of water, and offered it to her. “Here, honey, have some water.”

It was the first time he’d called her that, and he couldn’t keep the blush from rising to his cheeks.

Still, he wanted to make absolutely sure Grandma Edith didn’t get any ideas about setting Athena up with Marlon, so he made a point of acting extra affectionate.

Athena took the cup from his hands, quietly sipping.

“Grandma, the investigation’s done. There’s no way the results could be faked. Find a time to bring her over to the Keller family so we can all talk about this together.”

Grandma Edith had been waiting for this moment for years. Now that her grandson had given the go-ahead, she could barely stop herself from running back upstairs to share the news with Athena.

But Athena still needed to rest, so Edith forced herself to stay calm.

“All right, I’ll head home first. And about the Olson family—Maggie’s situation can’t be dragged out any longer. I heard she tried to see you again. For Athena’s sake, you need to cut things off with that woman, once and for all.”

“I know, Grandma.”

Edith gave a harrumph, but finally let it go.

Upstairs, Tyler continued to take meticulous care of Athena. He’d already figured out the secret to getting along with her: never lose his temper. Since he’d decided to play the loyal dog, no matter how sharp her words, he’d just have to take it.